Control unit for an irrigation system

Abstract

A control unit for an irrigation system comprising a programmable electronic control unit having a plurality of output control lines for the control of actuators of the irrigation system and comprising a microprocessor for setting data that condition the operation of the control unit. The microprocessor is operable to allow a standard programming of the electronic control unit for setting data suitable for allowing the base operation of the control unit, and an advanced programming for setting further data suitable for customizing the base operation of the control unit.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. An irrigation system control unit comprising: 
       a keyboard including at least one first button for selecting standard programs;  
       a rotary selector for selecting one of a plurality of angular positions, said angular positions including in a first angular position a selection of valves under control and in a second angular position an indication of days of the week;  
       at least a second button operable in combination with said first button and said rotary selector to establish for each program in said selection start-up days, start-up times and working period according to a standard method; and  
       said rotary selector including a further angular position in which said selector allows operations of at least a third button for including advanced customized functions in said programs according to advanced programming methods.  
     
     
       2. Control unit according to claim  1 , wherein said keyboard further comprises a third push-button for manual irrigation control. 
     
     
       3. Control unit according to claim  1 , wherein said keyboard further comprises a fourth push-button for manual stop of an irrigation program. 
     
     
       4. Control unit according to claim  1 , wherein said keyboard further comprises a fifth push-button for manual start of an irrigation program. 
     
     
       5. Control unit according to claim  1 , wherein said keyboard further comprises push-buttons for starting and stopping irrigation programs. 
     
     
       6. Control unit according to claim  1 , wherein said control unit has a plurality of output lines, one of said output control lines is suitable for driving a main valve of the irrigation system. 
     
     
       7. Control unit according to claim  1 , wherein said control unit has a plurality of output lines, one of said output control lines is suitable for driving a pump of the irrigation system. 
     
     
       8. Control unit according to claim  1 , wherein said control unit comprises a plurality of input lines for the connection of sensors external to the control unit. 
     
     
       9. Control unit according to claim  1 , wherein said control unit comprises means for connection to external units. 
     
     
       10. Control unit according to claim  9 , wherein said external units comprise an external memory unit, said advanced method of programming comprising a function of transfer of data stored in a memory of the electronic control unit to said external memory. 
     
     
       11. Control unit according to claim  9 , wherein said external units comprise an external memory unit, said advanced method of programming comprising a function of transfer of data stored in said external memory to an internal memory of the electronic control unit. 
     
     
       12. Control unit according to claim  9 , wherein said means for connection to external units comprise at least one socket provided in the control unit for connection of a cable which connects it to the external unit. 
     
     
       13. Control unit according to claim  9 , wherein said means for connection to external units comprise a receiver of electromagnetic waves. 
     
     
       14. Control unit according to claim  1 , wherein said unit can be used both as a “master” control unit and as a “slave” control unit in an irrigation system with one “master” control unit and several “slave” control units. 
     
     
       15. An irrigation control unit including a plurality of water valve control output lines, said control unit according to claim  1  comprising: 
       a microprocessor, said microprocessor programmed to operate one or more of said plurality of water valve control output lines in accordance with at least one standard irrigation program;  
       an input programming device for programming said microprocessor with at least one customized irrigation program; and  
       a control for selecting one of said at least one standard irrigation program and said at least one customized irrigation program for implementation by said microprocessor.  
     
     
       16. An irrigation control unit according to claim  15 , wherein said input programming device includes a keyboard. 
     
     
       17. An irrigation control unit according to claim  15 , wherein said input programming device and said control are comprised by a keyboard and a rotary selector. 
     
     
       18. An irrigation control unit according to claim  17 , further including a display for visualization of information provided by said keyboard.